Elden Ring Mouse and Keyboard: Controls and Setup Guide

Playing Elden Ring on PC using a mouse and keyboard offers precise camera control, but the default control layout can feel unintuitive for many players. By configuring the menu settings and adjusting keybindings to suit your playstyle, you can turn a challenging control scheme into a smooth combat experience.

Enabling On-Screen Keyboard Prompts

Before adjusting individual keys, navigate to the system menu to change the displayed controller prompts to keyboard icons. Head into the Sound and Display settings tab and set the Device for On-Screen Prompts option directly to Keyboard and Mouse. This single change ensures that game tooltips display correct PC keybindings rather than confusing Xbox or PlayStation button prompts.

Optimizing Movement and Combat Keybindings

The standard WASD keys handle basic character movement, while Spacebar remains ideal for backstepping, dodge rolling, and sprinting. Rebinding your light attack to the Left Mouse Button and guard or block to the Right Mouse Button creates a familiar feel for standard PC action games. Assigning heavy attacks or special weapon skills to dedicated side mouse buttons prevents accidental inputs during intense boss battles.

Streamlining Inventory and Quick Slots

Interacting with objects, picking up loot, and talking to NPCs works well when assigned to the E or F key. Quick items like your Flask of Wondrous Physick or Healing Flask are easiest to use when placed on the R key or bound to number keys for immediate access. Using pouch shortcuts by holding your interact key alongside number keys allows seamless item usage without scrolling through long submenus during fights.

Improving Camera and Target Locking

Mouse movement provides fast, accurate camera panning across the open world, giving players a significant advantage during large-scale encounters. Binding the target lock-on feature to the Middle Mouse Button or Tab key helps maintain focus on single enemies in tight corridors. Fine-tuning your mouse sensitivity in the game options reduces unwanted jittering and ensures reliable aiming for bows and spells.